Part V - The Union • Article

Article 137 Simplified: Review of judgments or orders by the Supreme Court

Article 137 allows the Supreme Court to review and correct its own judgments to rectify any clear errors or oversights. While the Supreme Court's decisions are usually final, if new evidence is found or a major legal error is pointed out, the court can review and modify its previous ruling.

Official Text

Subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament or any rules made under article 145, the Supreme Court shall have power to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

Normally, the Supreme Court has the final word. But if they realize they made a clear mistake or missed some super important new proof, they can open the case again and correct themselves.

Student Mode

Vests power in the Supreme Court to review its own judgments or orders, subject to Parliamentary law or rules made under Article 145. Under Order XLVII of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, review is restricted to specific grounds: discovery of new and important evidence, error apparent on the face of the record, or any other sufficient reason.

Example

If the Supreme Court gives a final judgment in a property case but the petitioner proves the court overlooked a vital statutory clause or made a clear mathematical error, they can file a 'Review Petition' under Article 137 to ask the court to correct itself.

Key Takeaway

The Supreme Court can review its own judgments to correct obvious errors or incorporate new vital evidence.

FAQs

On what grounds can a review petition be filed under Article 137?

A review petition is not a rehearing of the case. It is allowed only on three grounds: (1) discovery of new and important matter/evidence, (2) mistake or error apparent on the face of the record, or (3) any other sufficient reason.

What is the difference between a Review Petition and a Curative Petition?

If a Review Petition under Article 137 is dismissed, the aggrieved party has one final remedy: a Curative Petition. This was established by the Supreme Court in the Rupa Ashok Hurra case (2002) to prevent abuse of process and cure gross violations of natural justice.

What is the time limit to file a Review Petition?

A review petition must be filed within 30 days from the date of the judgment or order.

Quiz

A review petition under Article 137 must be filed within how many days of the judgment?

Answer: 30 days

Which landmark case established the concept of a 'Curative Petition' after a review petition is dismissed?

Answer: Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra